Does CBD Help With Period Pain?
Period pain has been shown to affect 96% of menstruating individuals, with up to 40% reporting that the discomfort is so bad they have to miss work or school because of it. Sadly, 1 in 5 feel they don't get relief from existing treatments, so it’s no wonder so many people are now wondering if CBD can help with menstrual cramps.
If this is a question you’ve been asking, read on to discover some of the science behind how CBD might help with your period and the best way to use CBD oil for menstrual cycle support.
What Causes Period Pain?
The first thing we need to understand is, what actually causes period pain? The more we know about the inner workings of the body, the more able we are to make informed decisions about how best to help ourselves!
In a healthy period, during and right before the bleed phase of the menstrual cycle a group of hormone-like compounds, called prostaglandins, are released to trigger uterine muscle contractions which push the lining out. The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more powerful the contractions and the more painful the cramps.
Does CBD Help Reduce Period Pain?
Prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called COX-2 (the over-expression of which has been linked to Endometriosis). As well as triggering the menstrual bleed, they are also associated with inflammation and pain responses in general.
Multiple studies have shown that CBD (and CBDa) both suppress the release of the COX-2 enzyme, prompting researchers to call for further studies into the potential of this effect.
How to Take CBD Oil for Period Pain
If you decide you’d like to try using CBD as a form of natural period pain relief, there are several options to choose from.
CBD Oil for Period Pain
Taking CBD internally, as with CBD drops, CBD capsules or CBD vapes is a great way to support your body as it goes through changes and imbalances. By taking CBD in this way, you are assisting yourself in rebalancing in a holistic sense, not just targeting one specific area.
However, the key to seeing great results when using CBD in this way is to take it regularly and consistently over time, not just as and when you feel you need it.
If you take CBD oil every day over the month, this allows time for the cannabinoids to accumulate and restore equilibrium in general, so when your period arrives your body might be better equipped to handle the process in a more balanced way.
CBD Balm for Period Pain
CBD balms are very popular with people using CBD for period pain relief because this allows you to focus on the area of discomfort and (depending on the formulation) can also present the opportunity to utilise a variety of botanicals at once.
The Orange County Active Heat Balm, for example, is a high-strength CBD product which combines the benefits of CBD with other active ingredients such as camphor, ginseng and rosemary, all of which are traditional folk remedies for treating menstrual cramps.
A CBD balm can be great on its own, massaged directly into the womb area, but you may find it’s even more effective if used in conjunction with oral CBD oil. You can safely use both together for a perfect period routine!
Can CBD Help with PMS?
Of course, we all know that the discomfort of periods doesn’t stop at cramping. There are also mood swings, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness and more to take care of!
The natural boost in endocannabinoids and serotonin when taking a full-spectrum CBD oil goes a long way in helping to balance all bodily processes. Taking CBD elevates levels of our ‘bliss molecule’ (anandamide), which has been shown to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, and help to maintain a state of homeostasis in all cells.
Natural Remedies for Period Pain
In addition to using CBD for period pain, there are many other natural treatments you may wish to bring into your self-care at this time of month.
Magnesium: Taking a magnesium supplement or eating a diet packed with magnesium-rich foods can help to relax the myometrium — the muscular layer of the uterus.
Orgasm: You might not be feeling particularly sexy right before your period, but if you feel so inclined, having an orgasm is a well-known method for relieving muscle tension and easing cramps.
Exercise: Again, maybe not what you fancy but if you can muster the willpower, exercising will naturally elevate endorphins and endocannabinoids, both of which are natural pain relievers. Studies have even found that working out can be more effective than taking pain-relieving medication.
Heat: Hot water bottles and heating pads are essential for anyone who suffers from painful periods. Not only is snuggling up to something very warm extremely comforting, but research has found that heat therapy can be as effective as Ibuprofen for menstrual cramps. The aforementioned Orange County Active Heat Balm can also enhance this natural treatment.